Easy Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl Recipe (Zesty, Creamy & Meal-Prep Friendly)

This Easy Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is everything you love about Mexican street corn—sweet, smoky, creamy, and tangy—served in a satisfying bowl with juicy grilled chicken and fluffy rice. Inspired by elote, the iconic Mexican street food, this meal packs bold flavor and fresh ingredients into a crave-worthy dish that’s easy to customize and perfect for meal prep.

It’s bright, colorful, and loaded with textures: sweet charred corn, tender chicken, creamy cotija-lime sauce, and rice to tie it all together. Whether you need a quick dinner or portable lunch, this bowl delivers comfort, heat, and zing in every bite.

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Ingredients Overview

Here’s what you’ll need to create this flavorful, satisfying bowl and how each ingredient adds to the final dish.

Chicken Breast or Thighs

Marinated or simply seasoned, grilled or pan-seared chicken adds protein and savory depth. Chicken thighs stay juicier, but breasts are leaner.

Corn (Fresh, Frozen, or Canned)

The star of the bowl. Grilled, roasted, or charred corn gives smoky sweetness and texture. Fresh corn on the cob is ideal, but canned or frozen work great when charred in a skillet.

Cooked Rice (White, Brown, or Cilantro Lime)

A neutral base that soaks up all the street corn goodness. Cilantro lime rice adds extra punch. Use cauliflower rice for a low-carb version.

Cotija Cheese

Salty, crumbly, and creamy—cotija is the traditional cheese used in elote. Feta or queso fresco can be used if cotija isn’t available.

Sour Cream or Mexican Crema

Blends with lime and spices to create the signature creamy topping.

Mayonnaise

Yes, mayo! Combined with crema or sour cream, it creates the tangy, rich base that mimics street corn sauce.

Lime Juice

Brightens the cream sauce and cuts the richness.

Chili Powder

Adds warmth and a smoky kick. You can also use Tajín for a citrusy chili-lime twist.

Garlic Powder

Subtle savoriness that enhances the street corn flavor.

Cilantro

Fresh, herbal, and essential for that authentic elote finish.

Jalapeños (Optional)

For heat. Use fresh, pickled, or even roasted for extra flavor.

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Step-by-Step Instructions

This bowl comes together in under 40 minutes and works great for meal prepping in batches.

1. Cook the Chicken

• Season 1 lb of chicken breasts or thighs with salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and a drizzle of olive oil.

• Grill or pan-sear over medium heat until cooked through (165°F internal temp), about 5–7 minutes per side.

• Let rest, then slice or dice into bite-sized pieces.

2. Prepare the Rice

• Cook 1½ cups dry rice (white, brown, or jasmine) according to package directions.

• Optional: Mix in chopped cilantro and juice from 1 lime after cooking for extra flavor.

3. Char the Corn

• Heat a cast iron skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat.

• Add 2 cups corn kernels (fresh, canned, or thawed frozen).

• Cook dry (no oil) until lightly charred in spots, stirring occasionally—about 6–8 minutes.

4. Make the Creamy Elote Sauce

In a bowl, whisk together:

• ¼ cup sour cream or crema

• 2 tbsp mayonnaise

• 2 tbsp lime juice

• ¼ tsp chili powder

• ¼ tsp garlic powder

• Salt to taste

Optional: stir in 1 tbsp crumbled cotija for extra richness.

5. Toss the Corn

In a large bowl, toss the charred corn with:

• Creamy elote sauce

• ¼ cup crumbled cotija cheese

• Chopped cilantro

• Optional diced jalapeño or hot sauce

Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

6. Assemble the Bowls

In each bowl, layer:

• A scoop of rice

• Sliced chicken

• Creamy street corn mixture

• Extra cotija, cilantro, and lime wedges for garnish

Drizzle with hot sauce or extra crema if desired.

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Tips, Variations & Substitutions

Customize the Protein

• Use steak, shrimp, or grilled tofu for variation.

• Try pulled rotisserie chicken for a quick shortcut.

Sauce Swaps

• Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a lighter sauce.

• Add chipotle adobo sauce for a smoky, spicy twist.

Rice Base Options

• Cilantro lime rice for added flavor

• Brown rice or farro for more fiber

• Cauliflower rice for low-carb or keto-friendly bowls

Add Veggies

• Diced tomatoes

• Black beans or pinto beans

• Sliced avocado or guacamole

• Shredded lettuce for crunch

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Serving Ideas & Occasions

These bowls are hearty, colorful, and easy to serve in big batches or prep ahead.

Great For:

• Weeknight dinners

• Family-style meals with toppings served separately

• Meal prep—store components separately or build bowls in containers

• Backyard parties or potlucks—serve buffet-style for DIY bowl assembly

• Lunchboxes—they hold up well cold or at room temp

Serve with:

• Tortilla chips

• Mango salsa

• Fresh fruit or cucumber lime agua fresca

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Nutritional & Health Notes

This dish is well-balanced and flexible for a range of diets:

Nutritional Benefits:

• High in protein from chicken

• Good fiber and complex carbs from rice and corn

• Rich in antioxidants from lime, cilantro, and spices

• Gluten-free when using naturally gluten-free ingredients

To make it lighter:

• Use Greek yogurt in place of mayo/sour cream

• Use grilled chicken breast and cauliflower rice

• Skip the cheese or use in moderation

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare the components (chicken, rice, corn mixture) ahead and store separately. Assemble just before serving or pack into meal prep containers.

2. What if I don’t have cotija cheese?

Use feta, queso fresco, or even grated Parmesan in a pinch. Each gives a salty, crumbly texture.

3. Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Absolutely. Shred and season lightly with lime and chili powder if desired.

4. How spicy is this?

It’s mild unless you add jalapeños or hot sauce. You can increase chili powder or add Tajín for more zing.

5. Is it gluten-free?

Yes, all the ingredients are naturally gluten-free—but always double-check labels, especially for packaged crema or mayo.

6. How do I store leftovers?

Store in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat chicken and rice separately, and serve the corn mixture chilled or at room temp.

7. Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes. Use dairy-free sour cream and skip the cotija, or use a vegan cheese alternative. The rest of the dish is naturally dairy-free.

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